Two employees at a major North Slope oil field have tested positive for COVID-19, ConocoPhillips confirmed Sunday.
The workers were flown to Anchorage from the Alpine oil field near Nuiqsut, said Natalie Lowman, spokeswoman for ConocoPhillips Alaska.
Lowman said all employees who were in contact with the infected workers have either been moved to Anchorage or are being quarantined at a separate area at the Alpine camp.
Lowman said she did not have information about how many test results are still pending.
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Lowman also said she didn’t have information about whether the workers were Alaska residents and whether they showed COVID-19 symptoms before they were tested.
Employees arrive at the Alpine oil field by plane, but board at a separate company terminal at the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport Airport. Workers have their temperatures taken prior to boarding and are required to wear masks while on board.
Lowman said the Alpine camp has capacity for about 400 workers, but it is currently running with about 275.
She said Conoco is working with the state to respond to the positive tests.
The Alpine field is eight miles away from the Inupiaq village of Nuiqsut.
Lex Treinen is covering the state Legislature for Alaska Public Media. Reach him at ltreinen@gmail.com.
